The Reality of HIV/AIDS in Uganda—Editorial
In 1982, the world’s first AIDS victim succumbed to the disease in the Rakai District of Uganda, marking it as the birthplace of this epidemic. By the late 1990s, 15 percent of all adults in the country and almost 30 percent of all those living in urban areas were reported as infected with the virus (Avert, 2011). Currently, about 6.5 percent of Ugandans are living with HIV, and the country is lauded as a success story in the effort to lower transmission rates and prevent AIDS-related deaths. It has become a case study for the political, social and economic issues raised by the public health catastrophe, and what may be successful responses to them. Unfortunately, what the recent numbers and statistics do not reveal are several underlying barriers to treatment and prevention. After years of declining infection rates, prevalence of HIV is again beginning to rise in Uganda.
Below are three ironies (from my experience living in Uganda) that illustrate why the UN’s vague declarations aren’t enough to cure our global communities of the devastation wrought by HIV/AIDS.
1. Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs are made free to any Ugandan with HIV. There are several clinics (funded largely by international organizations like the UN) that are designated to dispense these drugs.
Unfortunately, ARVs are less effective if you have any pre-existing health conditions (like chronic malaria—almost universal in the region) or if you don’t have access to clean water and a healthy diet. Furthermore, the multiple medications in an ARV cocktail must be taken at specific times during the day. If you are unable to stick to the strict regimen, you can develop a resistance to the medicine. A majority of Ugandans walk long distances to acquire medication, so bad weather conditions and impassible roads can make it difficult to take the medication when needed.
Increased funding won’t make it easier for individuals to consistently access clinics and care or improve their responses to the drugs.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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To all of us who test positive for HIV/AIDS stay strong and don't let anyone put you down. I'd like to recommend you to try PositiveMate,com, a safe and warm-hearted community for singles with STDs to meet other for love & friendship.
June 22, 2011 - 12:15amAlso you can check all kinds of STD services, testing centers, live std counselor, treatment stories etc. Hope it helps.
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